According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on October 23, 2026, Vice-Minister Iwao Horii attended a reception in Tokyo celebrating the 40th anniversary of the independence of the Federated States of Micronesia and gave an address on behalf of the Government of Japan. President Wesley W. Simina and his wife, visiting Japan on a working visit, also took part.
At the start, President Simina thanked Japan for its support and cooperation across a wide range of fields and said the visit had been meaningful. He also expressed his wish to strengthen relations with Japan further.
Vice-Minister Horii then congratulated Micronesia on 40 years of independence and, referring to his own visit to the country in August, said the friendship between the two countries rests on more than 100 years of exchange. Japan intends to advance concrete cooperation to become "stronger and more prosperous together," and hopes to make use of milestones such as the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11), planned for Yokohama next summer, and the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2028.
Key points
- A reception in Tokyo marked the 40th anniversary of Micronesia's independence
- The friendship between the two countries was described as resting on more than 100 years of exchange
- PALM11 in Yokohama next summer and the 2028 anniversary of diplomatic relations were named as upcoming milestones
Why this news is worth noting
Japan and the Pacific island countries share many themes in international cooperation, including climate change, the ocean, health and education. Closer ties built through visits and commemorative events can serve as a foundation for the activities of citizens and NGOs as well.
With the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting planned for Yokohama next summer, interest in the Pacific region is likely to grow. This announcement is a useful starting point for learning about Japan's connections there.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I found it striking that Japan and Micronesia looked back on over 100 years of exchange at this 40th anniversary milestone. Interest in the Pacific is likely to grow ahead of next summer's summit.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“The 100 years of exchange you mention, Aoba, stayed with me too. It is that long history that gives the phrase "stronger and more prosperous together" its weight.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“I was drawn to the long history of exchange you both describe. When thanks and congratulations are shared at an occasion like this, ties between countries feel warm and human. I look forward to the next milestone.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Learning that the two countries have exchanged for over 100 years made a faraway island nation feel much closer.
Opportunities to learn about the Pacific region are likely to increase ahead of next year's summit. Please keep an eye out for related news and events.”